Rick Steves Snapshot Krakow: How to Explore Krakow's History, Culture, and Nightlife

H1 Rick Steves Snapshot Krakow: A Guide to Poland's Cultural Capital --- --- H2 Introduction H3 Why visit Krakow? H3 What to see and do in Krakow? H3 How to plan your trip to Krakow? H2 Main Market Square H3 The heart and soul of Krakow H3 St. Mary's Church and the bugle call H3 Rynek Underground Museum H3 Cloth Hall and other attractions H2 Wawel Hill H3 The royal seat of Poland H3 Wawel Castle and Cathedral H3 Dragon's Den and other legends H2 Kazimierz and Podgórze H3 The Jewish heritage of Krakow H3 Old Synagogue and Jewish Museum H3 Schindler's Factory and Ghetto Heroes Square H2 Beyond Krakow H3 Auschwitz-Birkenau: A sobering reminder of the Holocaust H3 Wieliczka Salt Mine: A subterranean wonderland H3 Zakopane: A mountain resort town H2 Conclusion H3 Summary of the main points H3 Tips for enjoying Krakow H3 FAQs And here is the article I wrote based on the outline: # Rick Steves Snapshot Krakow: A Guide to Poland's Cultural Capital ## Introduction Krakow is easily Poland's best destination: a beautiful, old-fashioned city buzzing with enjoyable sights, tourists, and college students, and some heavy history (nearby lies the Holocaust memorial and museum of Auschwitz). Even though the country's capital moved from here to Warsaw 400 years ago, Krakow remains Poland's cultural and intellectual center. Bustling university life, thought-provoking museums, breathtaking churches, great restaurants, sprawling parks, and vivid Jewish heritage sights round out the city's appeal. Of all of the eastern European cities laying claim to the boast "the next Prague," Krakow is for real. ### Why visit Krakow? Krakow is a city that has it all: rich history, stunning architecture, lively culture, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. Whether you are interested in exploring the medieval Old Town, admiring the royal splendor of Wawel Hill, learning about the tragic fate of the Jewish community, or venturing out to the nearby attractions of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, or Zakopane, you will find something to suit your taste and curiosity in Krakow. Krakow is also a great base for exploring other parts of Poland, such as Warsaw, Gdansk, or the Tri-City. ### What to see and do in Krakow? Krakow has a wealth of sights and activities to keep you busy for days. You can start with the Main Market Square, one of the most charismatic squares in Europe, where you can admire the impressive St. Mary's Church, listen to the hourly bugle call from its tower, browse the colorful stalls of Cloth Hall, or visit the fascinating Rynek Underground Museum. Then you can head to Wawel Hill, the former seat of Polish kings and queens, where you can tour the magnificent Wawel Castle and Cathedral, marvel at the collection of tapestries and paintings, or descend into the Dragon's Den to meet a mythical beast. Next, you can explore Kazimierz and Podgórze, the districts that were once home to a thriving Jewish community before World War II. Here you can visit the Old Synagogue and Jewish Museum, walk along Szeroka Street with its many restaurants and cafes, or pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at Schindler's Factory and Ghetto Heroes Square. ### How to plan your trip to Krakow? Krakow is a popular destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. To make the most of your trip, you should plan ahead and book your accommodation, transportation, and tours in advance. You can find a variety of options for hotels, hostels, apartments, or guesthouses in different areas of the city. You can also choose from various modes of travel to get to Krakow: by plane (the airport is about 15 km from the city center), by train (the main station is conveniently located near the Old Town), by bus (the main station is next to the train station), or by car (parking can be tricky and expensive in the city center). You can also book guided tours or tickets for the main attractions online or through your hotel. Some of the most popular tours include Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, Zakopane, and the Tri-City. ## Main Market Square The Main Market Square, or Rynek Glowny in Polish, is the heart and soul of Krakow. It is one of the largest and oldest squares in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. It is surrounded by elegant buildings that showcase different styles and periods of Krakow's history. It is also a lively place where you can enjoy the atmosphere, watch the people, listen to the music, or join the festivities. ### St. Mary's Church and the bugle call One of the most striking buildings on the square is St. Mary's Church, a Gothic masterpiece with two uneven towers. The taller one houses a bugle that plays a melody every hour on the hour. This tune comes with a legend: During the 1241 Tatar invasion, a watchman saw the enemy approaching and sounded the alarm. Before he could finish, an arrow pierced his throat which is why even today, the music stops abruptly, causing the crowd below to chuckle and applaud appreciatively. Inside the church, you can admire the stunning altarpiece by Veit Stoss, a carved wooden masterpiece that depicts scenes from the life of Mary. ### Rynek Underground Museum When the square was excavated in 2005, workers found so many coins, tools, and artifacts of archaeological value that the city opened this excellent museum. Here, at 12 feet below street level, you can get an intimate look at medieval life in Krakow. You can see the original foundations of buildings, streets, and market stalls that once stood on the square. You can also learn about the trade, crafts, culture, and everyday activities of Krakow's inhabitants through interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and reconstructed scenes. ### Cloth Hall and other attractions Another prominent feature of the square is Cloth Hall, a long building that was once a center of commerce for merchants from all over Europe. Today, it still serves as a market where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, amber jewelry, or Polish specialties. On the upper floor, you can visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, which showcases paintings by famous artists such as Jan Matejko or Stanislaw Wyspianski. Other attractions on the square include the Town Hall Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city; the Church of St. Adalbert, one of the oldest churches in Krakow; and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, dedicated to Poland's national poet. ## Wawel Hill Wawel Hill is a symbol of Poland's national identity and pride. It was here that Poland's first rulers established their residence and where many important historical events took place. It is also a place of great artistic and spiritual value, with impressive buildings and monuments that reflect different eras and styles. ### The royal seat of Poland Wawel Hill was the seat of Polish kings and queens from the 11th to the 17th century. It was here that they were crowned, married, ruled, and buried. It was also here that they collected treasures and artworks from all over Europe and beyond. Wawel Hill witnessed many moments of glory and tragedy in Poland's history: wars, invasions, fires, reforms, partitions, uprisings, restorations. ### Wawel Castle and Cathedral The most prominent buildings on Wawel Hill are Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Wawel Castle is a complex of structures that represent different architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque. You can visit several parts of the castle: the State Rooms (where you can see tapestries, paintings, furniture), the Royal Private Apartments (where you can see portraits, costumes, jewelry), the Crown Treasury and Armory (where you can see weapons, armor, regalia), and the Dragon's Den (a natural cave under the castle). Wawel Cathedral is a Gothic church that contains many chapels, tombs, relics, and artworks. You can see the tombs of Polish kings and queens, heroes and saints; you can also climb up to Sigismund's Tower to see the Sigismund Bell (the largest bell in Poland) and enjoy a view of the city. ### Dragon's Den and other legends Wawel Hill is also a place of legends and myths. One of them tells the story of a dragon that lived in a cave under the castle and terrorized the city until it was killed by a clever sho ## Kazimierz and Podgórze Kazimierz and Podgórze are the districts that were once home to a thriving Jewish community before World War II. Here you can visit the Old Synagogue and Jewish Museum, walk along Szeroka Street with its many restaurants and cafes, or pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at Schindler's Factory and Ghetto Heroes Square. ### The Jewish heritage of Krakow Krakow was one of the major centers of Polish Judaism, inhabited by some of the best Jewish scientists, writers, artists and craftsmen. Under the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, the city of Kazimierz was merged with Krakow and the Jewish community merged with the Polish one. There were over 120 synagogues throughout the city, and in the old Oppidum of Kazimierz only the poorest and most ultra-conservative Jews remained. Perhaps that is why we can still see how Kazimierz looked in the 18th century today, as its buildings have remained virtually unchanged. ### Old Synagogue and Jewish Museum The Old Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Krakow and the most important religious center in Krakow Jewish District. It was built in the 15th century in Gothic style and later renovated in Renaissance style. It survived World War II but was looted and desecrated by the Nazis. Today it houses the Jewish Museum, which displays exhibits on Jewish history, culture, religion and traditions in Krakow. ### Schindler's Factory and Ghetto Heroes Square Schindler's Factory is a former enamelware factory that belonged to Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1,000 Jews from deportation and death by employing them in his factory. The factory is now a museum that tells the story of Schindler and his workers, as well as the history of Krakow under Nazi occupation. Ghetto Heroes Square is a large open space that was once part of the Krakow Ghetto, where Jews were forced to live in overcrowded and inhumane conditions. The square is marked by 33 metal chairs that symbolize the furniture and belongings that Jews had to leave behind when they were deported to concentration camps. ## Beyond Krakow Krakow is also a great base for exploring some of the most compelling attractions in Poland and beyond. You can take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, or Zakopane, or even visit other cities such as Warsaw, Gdansk, or Prague. ### Auschwitz-Birkenau: A sobering reminder of the Holocaust Auschwitz-Birkenau is the most notorious site of the Holocaust, where over 1 million people were killed by the Nazis between 1940 and 1945. It consists of two main camps: Auschwitz I, where prisoners were registered, tortured, experimented on, and executed; and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, where mass extermination took place in gas chambers and crematoria. Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a harrowing but important experience that will make you reflect on the horrors of genocide and the resilience of human spirit. ### Wieliczka Salt Mine: A subterranean wonderland Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest and largest salt mines in the world, dating back to the 13th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features over 200 km of tunnels, chambers, lakes, and sculptures carved out of salt. You can take a guided tour that will take you to some of the most impressive sights, such as the Chapel of St. Kinga, a stunning underground church decorated with salt chandeliers, altars, and statues; or the Stanislaw Staszic Chamber, a huge cavern with a salt lake and a monument to Nicolaus Copernicus. ### Zakopane: A mountain resort town Zakopane is a charming town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, about 100 km south of Krakow. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, skiers, and culture seekers. You can enjoy the scenic views of the mountains, explore the scenic views of the mountains, explore the trails and ski slopes, or experience the local culture and cuisine. ## Conclusion Krakow is a city that will enchant you with its charm, history, culture, and beauty. It is a place where you can discover the past and enjoy the present, where you can admire the art and architecture and taste the flavors and aromas, where you can learn and have fun at the same time. Krakow is a city that deserves your attention and appreciation. ### Summary of the main points In this article, we have covered the following topics: - Why visit Krakow? Krakow is Poland's cultural and intellectual capital, a beautiful and old-fashioned city with enjoyable sights, tourists, and college students, and some heavy history. - What to see and do in Krakow? Krakow has a wealth of sights and activities to keep you busy for days. You can start with the Main Market Square, where you can admire the impressive St. Mary's Church, listen to the hourly bugle call from its tower, browse the colorful stalls of Cloth Hall, or visit the fascinating Rynek Underground Museum. Then you can head to Wawel Hill, the former seat of Polish kings and queens, where you can tour the magnificent Wawel Castle and Cathedral, marvel at the collection of tapestries and paintings, or descend into the Dragon's Den to meet a mythical beast. Next, you can explore Kazimierz and Podgórze, the districts that were once home to a thriving Jewish community before World War II. Here you can visit the Old Synagogue and Jewish Museum, walk along Szeroka Street with its many restaurants and cafes, or pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at Schindler's Factory and Ghetto Heroes Square. - How to plan your trip to Krakow? Krakow is a popular destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. To make the most of your trip, you should plan ahead and book your accommodation, transportation, and tours in advance. You can also take a day trip to some of the most compelling attractions in Poland and beyond, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Wieliczka Salt Mine, or Zakopane. ### Tips for enjoying Krakow Here are some tips to help you enjoy your stay in Krakow: - The best time to visit Krakow is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many festivals and events happening in the city. - The currency in Poland is the zloty (PLN), which you can exchange at banks, ATMs, or exchange offices. The exchange rate is about 4 PLN for 1 USD or 5 PLN for 1 EUR (as of January 2023). - The official language in Poland is Polish, which belongs to the Slavic family of languages. Most people in Krakow speak some English, especially in tourist areas, but it is always polite to learn some basic phrases in Polish, such as hello (cześć), thank you (dziękuję), or excuse me (przepraszam). - The public transportation in Krakow consists of buses and trams that cover most of the city. You can buy tickets at kiosks or vending machines at bus or tram stops. You need to validate your ticket when you board the bus or tram. A single ticket costs 3.8 PLN for 20 minutes or 5 PLN for 40 minutes. - The food in Krakow is hearty and delicious, influenced by Polish and Jewish cuisines. Some of the dishes you should try are pierogi (dumplings with various fillings), bigos (stewed cabbage with meat), zurek (sour rye soup), zapiekanka (open-faced sandwich with cheese and mushrooms), or kielbasa (sausage). You can also enjoy some local drinks such as vodka (the national spirit), piwo (beer), or kompot (fruit juice). - The nightlife in Krakow is vibrant and diverse, with many bars, pubs, clubs, and live music venues that cater to different tastes and moods. You can find anything from cozy pubs and jazz bars to trendy cocktail lounges and techno clubs. ### Bars and clubs in Krakow Old Town The Old Town is the most touristy part of Krakow, and is where you'll find the majority of Krakow's nightclubs, as well as English and Irish pubs, sports bars, and shot bars. Some of the popular spots are: - Wódka Cafe Bar: This tiny, atmospheric bar is the ideal place to get to know the wide world of Polish vodka. You can choose from over 40 flavors of shots, from classic to exotic, or try a tasting tray of six different vodkas. The bar also serves snacks and cocktails. Address: ul. Mikołajska 5. - Mr. Black Cocktail Bar: This vintage cocktail bar is close enough to the main square, but hidden enough to avoid the crowds. It has a huge range of drinks and welcoming bartenders who can whip up anything you fancy. The bar also hosts live music and DJ nights. Address: Szewska 21/6 2nd Floor. - Frantic: This is one of the most popular nightclubs in Krakow, located in a former cinema. It has two floors with different music styles, from house and techno to R&B and hip hop. It also has a VIP area, a smoking room, and a large dance floor. Address: ul. Szewska 5. ### Bars and clubs in Kazimierz Kazimierz is the old Jewish Quarter of Krakow, a place with a fascinating and indelibly dark story to tell. Today, the area is home to some of the quirkiest and coolest bars in the city, which are laden with fancy lounges, killer beer pubs, sophisticated cocktail joints, intimate gardens and trashy dive dance floors. Some of the best places are: - Alchemia: This is one of the most iconic bars in Kazimierz, with a bohemian vibe and a vintage decor. It has several rooms with different atmospheres, from cozy sofas and fireplaces to live music and DJ sets. It also has a secret passage that leads to another bar called Eszeweria. Address: ul. Estery 5. - Mercy Brown: This is a hidden speakeasy bar that requires a password to enter. You can find it behind a wardrobe in a hotel lobby. It has a classy interior with leather sofas and chandeliers, and serves exquisite cocktails prepared by expert mixologists. Address: ul. Straszewskiego 28. - TRZCINA Bar: This is a trendy bar that occupies an old tram depot. It has a spacious interior with industrial elements, colorful lights, and graffiti art. It also has a large garden with hammocks, swings, and fire pits. It serves craft beers, cocktails, and snacks, and hosts live music and cultural events. Address: ul. Św Wawrzyńca 12. ### Bars and clubs in Tytano Tytano is a former tobacco factory that has been transformed into a hip nightlife complex. It has over 20 bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes that offer something for everyone. You can find craft beers, vegan food, rock music, salsa dancing, comedy shows, and more. Some of the highlights are: - Weźże Krafta: This is a craft beer paradise that has 25 taps of local and international brews. You can also buy bottles or cans to take away or enjoy in the courtyard. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and can help you choose your perfect pint. Address: Dolnych Młynów 10/3. - Zet Pe Te: This is a live music venue that hosts concerts of various genres, from rock and metal to jazz and blues. It also has a spacious garden with a bar and a stage. Address: Dolnych Młynów 10/6. - Forum Przestrzenie: This is a trendy bar that occupies a former hotel building on the banks of the Vistula River. It has a modern interior with retro furniture, art installations, and a cinema room. It also has a large terrace with a view of Wawel Castle and a beach area with sunbeds and umbrellas. It serves drinks, snacks, and breakfasts. Address: ul. Marii Konopnickiej 28. ## FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions about Krakow and their answers: - Is Krakow worth visiting? Krakow is definitely worth visiting. It's one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, with a rich cultural and culinary scene, and plenty of attractions and activities to suit every taste and budget. - Is Krakow expensive? Krakow is not expensive compared to other European cities. You can find af